Keeping your neighbours happy when you host

Opponents of Airbnb often cite neighbourhood disruption as a reason for regulating or even banning homesharing. That’s why it’s so important that hosts think about their neighbours and encourage their guests to act considerately. So, we’ve put together some ideas for keeping everyone in your area happy when you’re homesharing.

Be clear what the rules are

Clarity is vital – if you don’t have a House Rules book, put one together and include a section on your neighbours and how to be respectful of those in the surrounding area. And tell your guests to read it! You might also want to speak to your neighbours themselves about your homesharing plans, and make sure everyone has the same expectations.

Remember your shared areas

If you live in a shared stairway or have a common driveway or garden with your neighbours, it’s important to be clear to your guests about what’s permissible in these communal spaces. For example, there might be rules about door entry late at night, use of certain bins, or smoking in hallways or the garden.

Make sure parking rules are clear

Parking is a contentious issue – no wonder, if you are forced to park on a main street you could end up paying a premium or even getting a parking ticket. With this in mind, if there are reserved residents parking spaces at your property, make sure your guests are clear on which ones they can use. Nothing will infuriate a neighbour more than finding their space filled by an unfamiliar vehicle.

Keep the noise down

Although some will be traveling for work, many guests you welcome to your homeshare will be on holiday. Holidays mean fun – and fun can mean music and noise. Make sure your guests are aware of other people in close proximity, and remind them about keeping noise down. You might want to set a ‘curfew’ time (put it in your House Rules) or even completely ban parties, or guests having visitors.

What’s your pet hate?

For some people, it’s noisy animals. So, if you allow pets, make sure your building rules or lease allow it, and that guests know about things like local parks and what the rules are when it comes to clearing up after their dog. You can put this all in your House Rules. A good idea recommended on the Airbnb website is to have “a backup plan in case a guest’s pet upsets the neighbours (such as the number of a nearby pet hotel).” Happy hosting!

About Us

GUARDHOG is a company registered in England and Wales number 10254155, whose registered office is at 1a May Road, London, TW2 6QW. GUARDHOG is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority number 768441.